By Dupson Collins 18th April, 2026
Following the unprecedented and impactful contributions of the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun to Ondo State Artisans Group (OSAG), he has been decorated as the Life Patron of the Group.
The investiture ceremony was done on Saturday 18th of April at the maiden edition of Global Artisans Day held in Akure, Ondo State Capital.
Speaking, the President General of OSAG, Apostle Adefisoye Gbenga-Gure said the conferment of Life Patron on Dr Ogun was as a result of his genuine love for Ondo Artisans, zeal and determination to open doors of opportunity for all Artisans in Ondo State.
He added that, for the first time in the history of the group, Dr Afiz singlehandedly bankrolled the maiden edition of Global Artisans Day in Ondo State, a feat described unprecedented.
Apostle Adefisoye described the DG as the Artisans’ Father ni Nigeria whose vision and commitment made the celebration a reality in Ondo State.
The group added that his leadership at ITF has brought rapid development to the artisans’ community and significantly advanced the implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He specially appreciated his support in sponsoring Ondo State artisans to align with the global celebration, describing the event as the first of its kind in the history of Nigerian artisans.
The OSAG President General also commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at empowering artisans, particularly the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), led by its Director General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun.
He disclosed that the programme has already trained over 100,000 artisans nationwide, with plans to scale up to millions, thereby enhancing productivity, improving access to modern tools, and opening up better job and export opportunities.
In his response, he thanked the leadership of the group for the conferment of Life Patron on him, with a promise of always coming to their aids whenever call upon.
He commended the Ondo State Artisans Group for its organisation and commitment to aligning with global best practices, noting that the celebration marks a new era for artisans in Nigeria.
He encouraged artisans to take full advantage of ongoing training opportunities, embrace innovation, and uphold professionalism in their various trades.
